PhD Marketing: Admission 2025, Eligibility, Entrance Exam, Salary, Career Scope

• Updated on  Jun 04, 2025, by Poulomi Dey

PhD Marketing is a research-intensive doctoral program. The minimum duration to complete a PhD in Marketing program is 3 years; however, it can be extended up to 6 years. Ph D Marketing focuses on consumer behaviour, digital marketing strategies, branding, and market research methodologies.

 

The reception of a doctoral program for marketing is open to candidates with a graduate degree in the field of marketing or related fields. To start a Ph.D. in marketing, most universities require results from the NET or CSIR-GUC. Nonetheless, IIM Udaipur administered the IIM RAT as an entrance exam for PhD admission.

 

PhD in Marketing Management scholars have diverse job opportunities in academics, research institutions or consulting firms. During the PhD program, candidates gain hands-on research experience that enables them to contribute significantly towards marketing strategies and consumer insights. Working as a professor, the PhD scholar can earn an average salary of INR 20 LPA, depending on the experience.

 

Table of Contents
  1. PhD Marketing Course Highlights
  2. What is PhD Marketing?
  3. Why Study a PhD Marketing?
  4. PhD Marketing Eligibility
  5. PhD Marketing Admission Process 2025
  6. PhD Marketing Entrance Exam
  7. Top Colleges in India for PhD Marketing
  8. PhD Marketing Syllabus
  9. PhD Marketing Jobs
  10. PhD Marketing Future Scopes
  11. PhD Marketing FAQs
Table of Contents
  1. PhD Marketing Course Highlights
  2. What is PhD Marketing?
  3. Why Study a PhD Marketing?
  4. PhD Marketing Eligibility
  5. PhD Marketing Admission Process 2025
  6. PhD Marketing Entrance Exam
  7. Top Colleges in India for PhD Marketing
  8. PhD Marketing Syllabus
  9. PhD Marketing Jobs
  10. PhD Marketing Future Scopes
  11. PhD Marketing FAQs

 

PhD Marketing Course Highlights

PhD in Marketing Management course details are mentioned below:

Category

Details

Course Name

PhD Marketing

Duration

3-6 years

Eligibility

Master’s degree in Marketing or related fields from a recognized university.

Admission Process

Entrance Exam/Merit-based, followed by a Personal Interview.

Entrance Exams

CSIR-UGC NET, UGC NET, GATE, etc.

Average Course Fee

INR 30,000 - INR 1,00,000

Career Prospects

Marketing Professor, Market Research Analyst, Brand Manager, Digital Marketing Head, Consultant, etc.

Average Package (0-5 years experience)

INR 3 LPA - INR 6.4 LPA

Top Institutions to Work At

IIMs, IITs, LPU, Ashoka University, etc.

 

What is PhD Marketing?

Ph D Marketing is a doctoral program that provides in-depth knowledge about market trends, digital marketing, consumer behaviour, and branding strategies. The PhD in Marketing program is designed in such a way that helps the candidates learn new perspectives regarding customer engagement.

 

Candidates with a background in marketing or management are eligible to apply for the doctoral program in marketing. With the advancement of digital marketing tools, Ph D Marketing holders have the opportunity for long-term growth in their careers. Further, a PhD in Marketing holder can earn up to INR 20 LPA depending on the job role and experience.

 

Why Study a PhD Marketing?

PhD in Marketing is a prestigious qualification for individuals having an interest in market research and consumer behaviour. The PhD Program is curated in such a way that candidates learn analytical and research skills to analyze market trends and marketing innovations.

 

A candidate with a PhD degree in marketing can contribute more to the field by publishing research papers or developing marketing models. Further, scholars with PhD in marketing can collaborate with research firms to enhance consumer insights and business strategies.

 

PhD Marketing Eligibility

PhD in Marketing Management eligibility criteria can vary for different institutions. Candidates with a postgraduate degree are eligible for the PhD program. The eligibility criteria for Ph D Marketing at K J Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM) are mentioned below:

  • Candidates must have a Master's degree or equivalent professional degree from a recognised university.
  • A minimum of 55% marks in aggregate.
  • Candidates awaiting their final results are also eligible to apply.

 

PhD Marketing Admission Process 2025

The PhD Marketing admission process is online for most universities. Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria can fill out the online application through the official website. For reference, the Ph D Marketing admission process at IIM Bangalore is mentioned below:

 

Step 1: Visit the official website of IIMB.

 

Step 2: Fill out the application form and submit.

 

Step 3: Appear for the PhD entrance exam.

 

Step 4: Shortlisted candidates must appear for the technical interview.

 

Step 5: The final candidates' list will be announced on the official website.

 

PhD Marketing Entrance Exam

Admission to PhD in Marketing Management is based on an entrance exam like UGC NET, CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, etc. More test details are mentioned below:

Exams

Registration

Exam Dates

UGC NET 2025

April 16 to May 12, 2025

June 2025

CSIR-UGC NET 2025

Till May 12, 2025

June 21 to June 30, 2025

GATE 2026

August 2025

February 2026

IIM RAT 2025

Feb 10, 2025

April 1st to 7th, 2025

JEST 2025

Till May 30, 2025

June 22, 2025

IIMB Test 2025

June 17, 2025

July 20, 2025

 

Top Colleges in India for PhD Marketing

Candidates looking for admission to Ph D Marketing can check out the top colleges listed below:

NIRF Ranking

College Name

Location

Course Fee (per annum)

1 (Overall)

IIT Madras

Chennai

INR 41,000

2 (Management)

IIM Bangalore

Bangalore

INR 42,000 (stipend)

22 (Management)

IIM Udaipur

Udaipur

INR 50,000 (stipend)

101-150 (University)

Nirma University

Ahmedabad

INR 40,000

101-150 (University)

Parul University

Greater Noida

INR 1,00,000

-

GITAM

Hyderabad

INR 30,000

-

Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management

Mumbai

INR 80,200

 

PhD Marketing Syllabus

The curriculum for the PhD in Marketing Management is almost similar for the majority of the colleges. However, the syllabus of the PhD in Marketing offered by the Nirma University is mentioned below:

Core Subjects

Details

Marketing Models

Focuses on quantitative models used in marketing literature.

Marketing Theory

Covers foundational theories in marketing.

Theories in Consumer Behaviour

Explores psychological aspects of consumer behaviour.

Advances in Retail Management

Studies modern retail management practices.

Research Methodology

Teaches methods for designing and conducting research.

Statistics

Provides statistical techniques for data analysis.

Elective Subjects

Details

Brand and Product Management

Covers strategies for managing brands and products.

Supply Chain Management

Examines the management of supply chains.

Marketing and Public Policy

Discusses the intersection of marketing and public policy.

 

PhD Marketing Jobs

Ph D Marketing professionals can explore several job opportunities. Individuals with a PhD in Marketing are highly valued in the job market as they have strong analytical and research skills. The average package of some of the job roles is mentioned below:

Job Role

Average Salary (per annum)

Years of Experience

Job Description

Marketing Manager

INR 3,02,000

5-10 years

Plans and executes marketing campaigns and monitors market trends.

Brand Manager

INR 8,00,000 - INR 15,00,000

5-10 years

Oversees brand development, positioning, and marketing strategies.

Market Research Analyst

INR 4,00,000 - INR 8,00,000

2-5 years

Analyses market trends, conducts research, and provides insights for marketing strategies.

Marketing Communications Leader

INR 6,00,000 - INR 12,00,000

5-10 years

Develops and implements communication strategies across different marketing channels.

Assistant Professor (Marketing)

INR 6,49,458

0-5 years

Teaches marketing courses, conducts research, and participates in academic activities.

Marketing Executive

INR 3,00,000 - INR 6,00,000

0-5 years

Assists in marketing campaigns, manages social media, and supports marketing teams.

New Product Manager

INR 8,00,000 - INR 15,00,000

5-10 years

Develops strategies for launching new products and managing their lifecycle.

International Marketing Manager

INR 10,00,000 - INR 20,00,000

5-10 years

Oversees marketing strategies for international markets.

 

PhD Marketing Future Scopes

After completing a PhD in Marketing, candidates can explore various career options such as faculty/ professors at private and government institutes/universities. Apart from these, some other options are listed below:

  • The individuals can write books or research papers on marketing trends.
  • Individuals can work as consultants in marketing research firms.
  • Candidates also have the opportunity to work in the corporate world, study consumer behaviour, or create brand strategies.

 

PhD Marketing FAQs

What financial aid is available at IIM for the PhD in Marketing program?

IIM offers a monthly stipend for five years to students enrolled in the PhD marketing program. Candidates are exempted from tuition fees at IIM. However, several grants are available for the students.

Is it worth getting a PhD in Marketing?

A PhD in Marketing is an advanced degree that is highly valuable for candidates interested in marketing. The PhD program provides in-depth knowledge about market trends and consumer behaviour. However, for candidates interested in research-oriented jobs, a PhD in Marketing is worth it.

Why is a PhD so difficult?

A PhD degree seems difficult as it requires dedication and critical thinking ability. A PhD candidate is required to submit an original research report that requires the collection of data, analysis of the trend, etc. This process is time-consuming and thus PhD seems difficult.

Can I pursue a PhD in Marketing from the UK?

Yes. Candidates interested in pursuing a PhD in marketing from the UK. Several universities in the United Kingdom offer PhD programs to Indian students. Some of the universities are the University of Birmingham, the University of Hull, the University of Kent, Lancaster University, and many more.

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